Alter Egos

Most of us are familiar with the idea of an alter ego. It’s the very basis of our superhero fiction. Mild mannered Clark Kent becomes Superman. Uber rich Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Scientist Bruce Banner transforms into the The Hulk.

Even my kids had alter egos. When our son was very small he decided that he was no longer a little boy and for several months insisted that he was a pig. For a time he ignored anyone who called him by the name Jason, insisting that he was Pig. During this phase he did a great deal of snorting and rolling around the floor in pretend mud. We considered taking him out to search for truffles, but by that time he’d outgrown the pig phase.

Similarly, when our daughter was four she became so enamored by the musical, “Annie” that she began asking everyone to call her “Ashley/Annie.” She even coerced her dad into getting her hair permed Annie style. I’m not totally sure she ever gave up on the Ashley/Annie personality. It wouldn’t surprise me to find her sporting a big permed hairdo and belting out “Tomorrow, Tomorrow!” even today, today.

So both of my children had/have alter egos. Most superheroes have one. I want one. I want something badass–the perfect counterpoint to my nice girl image. Like Walter White’s “Heisenberg,” I want it to be on the cerebral side.
Hmmm. Here’s how my brainstorming went:

Madame Curie. No, too reactive.

The Headcase. Too close to the truth. Everyone would know.

Wonder Woman. Already taken. Although, I do wonder a great deal…I wonder where my phone is, where my keys are, what I’m cooking for dinner, if these pants make my butt look big….

Mara Jade. No, I’d always have to explain the relevance to non-Star Wars Universe people. Exhausting.

Then I realized, I already have an alter ego! Nana Noyz! It’s alliterative, as a good alter ego often is, and it fits me perfectly. Just don’t misspell it in the comic book version of my life.

Peace, People!

Author: nananoyz

I'm a semi-retired crazy person with one husband and two cats. View all posts by nananoyz